Dogs are fairly straightforward to understand, they wag their tails when happy, jump up when excited and pleased to see us, and they will learn to sit, lie and offer their paw willingly – especially if a treat or two is presented.

Cats on the other hand, are more independent and on the surface less domesticated. One minute they can be affectionate and cuddly, the next they can look irritated and aloof.

I run the nation’s leading home and pet sitting company, Homesitters Ltd and our homesitters are responsible for looking after other people’s pets and homes while they’re away. The majority of animals we care for are cats and dogs so our homesitters have become experts in understanding their behaviour.